Akshay Kumar is all set to helm Samuk, the first Indian sci-fi thriller directed by Kanishk Varma. The film features Hollywood stunt coordinator Luke Tamper and Oscar-nominated creature effects artist Alec Gillis. Confirming his participation, Akshay says, “The space sci-fi thriller is a completely new genre for me and for our films as well.”
As Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape the landscape of filmmaking, an upcoming Indian sci-fi film charts a bolder path, bringing a frightening extraterrestrial world to life with the expertise of two Hollywood A-listers who have left their mark on popular franchises like “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” (2025), “Venom” (2018), the “Alien” franchise and the “Predator” franchise.
Leading the charge in front of the camera is one of the biggest action icons in Indian cinema.
Kanishk Pharma to direct “Samok “, Vipul Shah returns as producer
According to Hindustan Times, the project is titled ‘Samuk’, with Akshay playing the lead role. The film is directed by Kanishk Varma and produced by Akshay Kumar, Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Ashin Shah. It also marks the reunion of Akshay and Vipul after 12 years.
Luke Timber, stunt coordinator for Mission: Impossible, joins Samuk
One of the top international talents aboard “Samuk” is Hollywood stunt coordinator Luke Timber, a former Royal Marines commando with an impressive list of credits that includes “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” “Venom,” “No Time To Die” (2021), and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” (2019).
Sharing his thoughts with Hindustan Times, Timber says, “This project represents an exciting blend of global stunt expertise, visionary filmmaking and authentic action cinema, and I am proud to be a part of bringing this vision to life.
Together, we aim to deliver a film that combines powerful storytelling with cutting-edge live-action sequences that will resonate with audiences internationally.” The veteran curator was also vocal in his admiration for Akshay, describing him as “widely recognized as an Indian action hero.”
Alien franchise Alec Gillis was credited with designing the creature Samuk
Beyond the big action scenes, the filmmakers pour significant resources into creature design as well. The film’s alien creation is led by Alec Gillis, the Oscar-nominated creature effects maestro celebrated for his contributions to the “Alien” franchise (including Alien: Romulus, 2024), the “Predator” franchise, “Smile 2” (2024), and “Tremors” (1990). Gillis revealed that Samuk’s monster will be an entirely original creation, brought to life through practical effects designed specifically for the film.“Kanishk and I together designed the title character, which is a truly unique space horror. In the age of CGI and Al. It’s pleasing that directors and audiences still appreciate traditional hand-crafted, man-made monsters,” he says.
Alec Gillies compares Akshay Kumar to… Jason Statham and Tom Cruise
Speaking about working with Akshay, Gillis adds: “He has the physicality of Jason Statham and the resemblance of Tom Cruise! My aim is to create an alien enemy in Samuk whose energy and on-screen charisma are equal to that of Mr. Kumar. Defeating this neo-classical cinematic monster will not be an easy task, even for him.”
Akshay Kumar confirms ‘Samuk’: ‘Space sci-fi film is a completely new genre for me’
Akshay also puts an end to all speculations. “Yes, I have signed this film. I found the script and theme of Samuk fascinating. The space sci-fi thriller is a completely new genre for me and for our films as well. I am very excited about it,” he said.With two experienced Hollywood professionals to handle the action and alien design, ‘Samuk’ appears to be one of the few Indian films to seriously deal with large-scale alien horror with a global outlook.